- The almost 20 year waron terror has claimed

many American casualties.

For those surviving theirtime on the front lines,

sharing their stories can be therapeutic.

That includes for formerNavy Seal, Will Chesney,

who participated in the mission

to take down Osama Bin Laden.

He's now written aboutthat with a unique twist.

CBN National SecurityCorrespondent Eric Phillips

joins us with that story, Eric?

- The title of Chesney'sbook "No Ordinary Dog"

gives an indication of that twist.

It focuses on hisfour-legged partner Cairo

as much as himself, if not more.

In a one-on-one interview,the author explained

how Cairo saved his lifein more than one way,

so he decided to highlight the major role

working dogs play in our military.

- You know I don't liketalking about myself,

but I'll talk about Cairo,he's pretty easy to talk about.

- [Eric] 36 year old retired Navy Seal

Will Chesney says he'salways had a love for dogs

and knew as a teenager hewanted to be a Navy Seal.

It wasn't until years later,after achieving that goal,

that his two loves came together,

after hearing the testimonialsof military dog handlers.

- Raise your hand if adog's ever saved your life.

Everybody's hand justwent up, pretty much.

The first time I metCairo, was at Dam Neck,

at the training facility.

I remember him comingout towards the bunkers

that we were working onand he was good looking,

laid back, calm dog, he had a great bite,

he was a really good worker.

I got pretty lucky getting him.

- [Eric] Non-stop training built trust,

relationship and a deep dedication.

- We ask these dogs to dosome pretty dangerous stuff,

sometimes they lay downtheir lives to save ours.

- [Eric] That almost happened during the

2009 mission in Afghanistan,when Cairo was shot,

while protecting his teammates.

- When I saw him, he collapsed,I thought he'd passed away.

I thought he was dead right there.

- [Eric] But Cairo survivedand went on to take part

in a mission to finallyget Osama Bin Laden,

the infamous mastermind behind 911.

- My job that night was todo a sweep to the perimeter,

putting the dog in the bestposition to find any explosives

or tunnel systems.

I like to say, I was justthere to babysit Cairo,

pretty much, and let him do all the work

and I remember, I'll neverforget when we landed,

just looking around andseeing that everybody

was still alive and okayand we had accomplished

the mission and I gotto do it with my dog.

- [Eric] Assignments thentook Chesney and Cairo

in different directions.

About a year later, agrenade blast left Chesney

with a brain injury andpost traumatic stress,

resulting in a difficultdischarge from the Navy.

By then, Cairo was alsoreaching the end of his career

and Chesney was able to bring him home.

- Cairo is a huge part in everything,

getting me through thetough times as well.

Cairo helped me get throughsome really tough times.

After watching Cairo suffer from cancer,

Chesney had him put down in 2015.

He says he wrote "NoOrdinary Dog," to honor

Cairo's memory, whilealso bringing attention

to military working dogs andservice animals in general.

- [Will] Took care ofme, I took care of him

and I just want to tell Cairo's story.

- The ultimate love story between man

and man's best friend andanimals continue to play

an integral role for our service members.

Just last week, the defensedepartment highlighted

how our troops, helpingthe fight against COVID-19

in New York, are receivingstress therapy from animals

provided by the organization,Puppies Behind Bars.

It's why Chesney says, even with shrapnel

still in his body, hewill continue to advocate

for animals who assist and protect

our military and first responders.

He believes Cairo would be proud.

Eric Philips, CBN news.